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IMF won't file brief for Argentina in debt case

The International Monetary Fund says it will not file a brief backing Argentina in its legal battle with investors who refused to take losses on debts after the $100 billion default in 2001.

Managing Director Christine Lagarde had been expected to recommend the IMF executive board file a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court. That brief would have supported Argentina's petition to reverse lower court rulings seeking to force Argentina to pay more than $1.4 billion owed to investment funds trying to collect on bonds rendered nearly worthless in the default.

The IMF is concerned the case will set a precedent that could make it harder for other countries to obtain debt relief. The IMF says Lagarde reversed her decision after the U.S. said it would not support the filing.